A/HRC/43/10 74. Finland noted the Government’s efforts to facilitate dialogue with civil society and the establishment of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights. However, it was concerned about discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 75. France welcomed the reform of the penitentiary system and progress in the interaction between authorities and the public. It noted the need to strengthen efforts concerning respect for public liberties and the rule of law. 76. Georgia welcomed the establishment of commissioners for human rights and children’s rights, and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention against Discrimination in Education. 77. Germany commended Kazakhstan for efforts to prevent and penalize acts of torture and to strengthen civil rights. However, it expressed concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. 78. The Holy See noted the importance of the national human rights indicators related to freedom from torture, participation in the government, education, adequate housing, fair trial and violence against women. 79. Iceland welcomed the national report and the steps outlined therein and expressed its hope for their continued implementation. 80. India welcomed the 2017 constitutional reforms to redistribute powers among the branches of government and making the parliament and the Government more directly responsible to citizens. 81. Indonesia appreciated the efforts to strengthen the independence and efficiency of the justice system and noted efforts to combat trafficking in persons and provide rehabilitation to victims. 82. The Islamic Republic of Iran expressed appreciation for the work done in the field of social security and the creation of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in society. 83. Iraq welcomed the reforms implemented by Kazakhstan, in particular the legal and judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the capacity and independence of the judiciary. 84. Ireland acknowledged efforts to advance human rights domestically but remained concerned over reports of mass arrests, detentions and criminal prosecutions against peaceful protesters, activists, journalists and lawyers. 85. Israel commended Kazakhstan for its respect for religious freedom and the rights of minorities and appreciated the appointment of commissioners for human rights and for the rights of the child. 86. Italy appreciated efforts made since the previous cycle, particularly the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 87. Jordan welcomed the institutional, social and economic reforms leading to the adoption of the National Plan of 2019, and the legislative measures aimed at combating trafficking in persons and crimes against children. 88. Kuwait commended Kazakhstan for measures taken to improve human rights and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly with regard to protecting the rights of children, including through improved social and health care. 89. Kyrgyzstan praised efforts to cope with terrorism and to protect hundreds of women and children returning from conflict zones and victims of domestic violence. 90. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic congratulated Kazakhstan on the measures taken to implement the recommendations adopted during the previous review, particularly the progress in the protection of the rights of women and persons with disabilities. 91. Latvia noted measures taken by the Government for the promotion and protection of human rights and encouraged further efforts towards the fulfilment of its human rights obligations and commitments. 7